Where Do You Draw The Line With Wind? 2024
sbfishySC reply :
I'm a new boater, and the forecast for this weekend is temps in the 70s but with 20mph winds. I have a 16 foot procraft bass boat with a 45# trolling motor. I want to get out there bad, but the 20 mph wind forecast is tempting me to stay in as I'm not sure how it will work out. Where do you guys draw the line when going out with wind? Any advice on handling boating/fishing in the wind for a new boater?
Brian Needham reply :
my weekend forecast is S at 15.........this makes me stay home. I want to get out bad too, but my lakes get pretty rough in that kind of wind, you can t enjoy yourself so why go?
BassinB reply :
I draw the line at 30mph. Less than that i see it as a challenge
Long Mike reply :
Unless I can fish sheltered areas, I avoid any wind over 15mph, and I have an 18-footer. If you're fishing a big lake it's more trouble than it's worth, and can be downright dangerous.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
I guess you have to relate the wind to how your particular lake behaves. 15-20mph winds is quite common where Im at and Ive been out in 20mph with my inflatable with a 55# TM. If I didnt go out in 15mph I might as well not own a boat. My lakes are small though 40-300acres so think that helps. I can crosscut to otherside going head-on is slow going but doable.
I used to have a 14'jon boat on the same lakes with just 5hp & 30#tm and it handled 15-20.
Jig Man reply :
I normally stay home with sustained winds over 25 depending on the lake and the way it is layed out. Some lakes around SW MO are flatland lakes and get really rough with winds over 25 while some have large creeks and coves where one can fish and still have a good chance of catching.
I listen to the forcast and plan my launch and fishing areas with respect to wind direction and speed. You'll have to learn your boat and water to see what it and you can take and still enjoy your self. The first consideration for any trip should be your and your guest's safety. If you are questioning yourself, STAY HOME.
The Rooster reply :
I don't stay home, I just bank fish if winds are over 15 mph. I have a 16' aluminum deep V with 88 HP outboard and 55# thrust trolling motor. Plenty of motor for wind but the boat has a high profile in the water so strong winds blow me around too much. I just stand on the banks and fish while cussing.
Bankbeater reply :
I draw the line when I see whitecaps on the water.
wnybassman reply :
A few things determine where to draw the line. If I am having great difficulty getting from the cockpit to the bow due to the waves, and I have crawled to the front before. If so many waves are breaking over the side of the boat that both my bilge pumps cannot keep up with the water, it's a good time to get out of there. And if my trolling motors craps out due to constant high power use, and even then I have used the outboard to maintain position before.
Under all of those conditions the PFD never comes off. It's all relative though as for wind speed. Lake Erie gets kinda nasty with 15+ mph west winds, although I have been out the in 5+ footers numerous times and once (only once lol) in 6-8 footers. Inland lakes are different. Most of ours are North/South oriented so a north or south wind makes them kick up worse, although it is easier to maintain position/course than a very strong west wind. I have fished in 40+ mph winds a couple times and 30+ more times than I can remember. If it just gets too uncomfortable I pull the plug.
aharris reply :
I think I'm gonna wait til Sunday and pray it isnt quite that bad. 
flyfisher reply :
I usually tailor my location to fish based on the winds. There are a few lakes i don't even look at the forecast and others where i will avoid if it gets above 15-20mph. Of course since i am in a kayak i also make the decision of do i go with my hybrid, aka not self bailing, or my SOT boat for safety reasons.
Bottom line is i don't get to fish that often so unless the weather is ridiculously bad i am going out.
clayton86 reply :
Wind sent me home yesterday but it was bank fishing. 16* after the wind chill and I was watching my braid actually freeze during the cast so we packed up.
I'll be kayak fishing mostly this season on the smaller lakes and bays on lake Ontario. Iv had the canoe out in some windy conditions it was mostly a pain in the arse to keep it where I wanted I usually would paddle past the spot and let the wind drift me into position.
11justin22 reply :
Went last weekend in 25-30 on alake that gets very bad in the wind. I just avoid the bad parts and stay on the leeward side and out of the wind. I also have a lake that doesn't matter how much the wind is blowing its fairly calm. Sheltered by mountains on all sides.
BrettD reply :
30 mph is about my limit it just gets to tough to cast past that. Having a powerpole on those 20-30mph days is a big help.
WRB reply :
It really depends on the body of water how wind affects it. If it's safe to launch and retrieve your boat, that is one consideration. If you fish wind blown open water areas, that is another consideration. If the lake has white caps on waves, the wind blown waves are 2' or higher, it's time to find shelter.
Tom
senile1 reply :
As some have stated above, it depends on the lake. Almost every lake of a few hundred acres or more will have protected spots and many smaller lakes do also. The problem is driving through unprotected water to reach those spots. I have taken more than my fair share of chances on windy lakes, mainly because I have to fish when I get the chance or I won't be fishing very much. However, if I have a few lakes from which to choose, the wind speed will affect which lake I fish. Higher winds lead me to more protected lakes. If sustained wind speeds are 30 mph or higher I usually stay off the water.
One question:
I have noticed that when the wind speed is 20 mph at my house, on the lake it seems like it is higher. I have wondered if this is caused by different wind temperatures above land as opposed to above water leading to more turbulence. I have no science to back that up, but I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this or does it just seem more turbulent when I am on the water in a boat. I have read that extremely large lakes like the Great Lakes do have effects on weather due to the uptake of moisture but I wonder at what size that effect would become negligible to nonexistent.
slonezp reply :
It depends. Many of us are stupid enough to go out in rough conditions. Being smart enough to know when to call it quits and make it in safely, whether it be 5 minutes or 5 hours, is key. I don't care how big a boat you have. Being able to control it under adverse conditions is a necessity. This, unfortunately takes practice. To the OP. May I suggest looking into taking some USCG classes. They offer them online and in person. I'm amazed at the amount of boaters who don't know their azz from a hole in the ground when it comes to water safety.
RyneB reply :
On 3/15/2013 at 11:21 AM, Long Mike said:Unless I can fish sheltered areas, I avoid any wind over 15mph, and I have an 18-footer. If you're fishing a big lake it's more trouble than it's worth, and can be downright dangerous.
this is my philosophy. Although if im on a fishing trip where i have driven many hours. I will just find sheltered areas and stay as close to the ramp as i feel comfortale.
slonezp reply :
On 3/15/2013 at 11:20 PM, senile1 said:As some have stated above, it depends on the lake. Almost every lake of a few hundred acres or more will have protected spots and many smaller lakes do also. The problem is driving through unprotected water to reach those spots. I have taken more than my fair share of chances on windy lakes, mainly because I have to fish when I get the chance or I won't be fishing very much. However, if I have a few lakes from which to choose, the wind speed will affect which lake I fish. Higher winds lead me to more protected lakes. If sustained wind speeds are 30 mph or higher I usually stay off the water.
One question:
I have noticed that when the wind speed is 20 mph at my house, on the lake it seems like it is higher. I have wondered if this is caused by different wind temperatures above land as opposed to above water leading to more turbulence. I have no science to back that up, but I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this or does it just seem more turbulent when I am on the water in a boat. I have read that extremely large lakes like the Great Lakes do have effects on weather due to the uptake of moisture but I wonder at what size that effect would become negligible to nonexistent.
The Great Lakes affect the local weather. Early in the year, Lake Michigan keeps the Chicago lakefront cool and late year keeps it warm, relative to surrounding areas. The precipitation is higher all year but more noticible in winter as "lake effect" snow. During the warmer months it may just be humidity, mist, or clouds rather than actual rain.
Nitrofreak reply :
I think WRB said it best, it really becomes a matter of being able to launch and retreive, I too am like most here, I can fish the upper regions of my favorite lake with winds above 20 mph and still have plenty of water to cover and remain safe, while the lower and more wide open regions will be pretty dangerous to navigate.
Several things are really taken into account, but the most important one I think about is the location of where I will be fishing in windy conditions, I do not want to be anywhere near a bank if the wind is strong and or gusting strong, trees fall at an even faster rate when being pushed by the wind, if my anchor will not hold my boat position then I call it quits, I was caught off gaurd one day by a sudden wind storm, everything was nice and calm and within a matter of minutes, the lake had 3 foot swells, the marker bouy's were very difficult to locate, other small craft was very difficult to track as well, any trash like tree limbs were scattered everywhere.
20mph is about the max I would want to risk being on the water.
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 3/15/2013 at 11:22 PM, slonezp said:It depends. Many of us are stupid enough to go out in rough conditions. Being smart enough to know when to call it quits and make it in safely, whether it be 5 minutes or 5 hours, is key. I don't care how big a boat you have. Being able to control it under adverse conditions is a necessity. This, unfortunately takes practice. To the OP. May I suggest looking into taking some USCG classes. They offer them online and in person. I'm amazed at the amount of boaters who don't know their azz from a hole in the ground when it comes to water safety.
well said. you don't want to be that guy that everyone reads about in the newspaper..dead or alive.
sounds like ur new to boating so learn how to fish in 5mph..then 10mph..work your way up.
Goaltender reply :
I fish Lake of the Ozarks almost exclusively. There in NEVER a day without wind, but luckily with all the twists, turns, and coves you can find a condition that works. I HATE wind and try to stay out of as much as possible. I only fish windy points on tournament days.
CPBassFishing reply :
I don't fish from a boat so my input may not matter much to all you boaters.
I tend to draw the line at 15mph. I have to ride my bike 20 minutes to my favorite pond. Not that easy when you're carrying 3 rods, a 10lb backpack, and fighting headwinds the whole way.
senile1 reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 1:52 AM, CPBassFishing said:I don't fish from a boat so my input may not matter much to all you boaters. I tend to draw the line at 15mph. I have to ride my bike 20 minutes to my favorite pond. Not that easy when you're carrying 3 rods, a 10lb backpack, and fighting headwinds the whole way.
That's a very interesting point of view, and, being a boater, it is one that I hadn't considered. Thanks for bringing it up.
clayton86 reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 1:52 AM, CPBassFishing said:I don't fish from a boat so my input may not matter much to all you boaters.I tend to draw the line at 15mph. I have to ride my bike 20 minutes to my favorite pond. Not that easy when you're carrying 3 rods, a 10lb backpack, and fighting headwinds the whole way.
Ah the good ole days I think that was the best part about turning 16 do you know how hard it is to drag a deer with a Mt. Bike or all that fishing gear.
CPBassFishing reply :
never tried.....my mom wouldn't let me touch a rifle let alone kill something with it. Having a tree hugger mom really stinks sometimes.On 3/16/2013 at 2:45 AM, clayton86 said:Ah the good ole days I think that was the best part about turning 16 do you know how hard it is to drag a deer with a Mt. Bike or all that fishing gear.
LWD reply :
Hi, I'm a kayak fishermen, I draw the line at 15mph, but if its over 10 I know I'm usually going to have a hard time trying to cast and paddle at the same time. Anchors are good for holding my kayak still, One time I went out in fair wind around 12mph, but as the day progressed the wind increased to 30mph gusts and I could not make it back to shore. I had to land on someones private property and carry my kayak back about half a mile.
Darren. reply :
I've been out in my yak in 40 mph winds, white caps, etc. They whipped up out of nowhere (seemingly). Didn't stay out very long, needless to say, fortunately was close to shore.
I have learned some pretty good yak control in adverse conditions, but hate battling the wind regardless, so I try to find quiet or quieter spots to fish.
Safety is numero uno. I always think about what I have at home (wife, 4 sons) when conditions get bad. Is it worth staying on the water and potentially risking my life (even with a PFD on)? Would hate leaving my family asking why dad didn't get off the water when he knew better.
trailer reply :
I have a 17' 6" Aluminum bass boat. I fish a 40,000+ acre lake. I stay home anything 15+ mph. White capping and big swells are no fun on my lake. I figure "in like a lion, out like a lamb" for this time of year. I know there will be days this summer when I'm just praying for a 5mph gust to cool me off.
My two cents.
clayton86 reply :
It's windy again today and I'm debating taking my kayak out for the first time but where I'm going it's protected from the wind well after about a 400m paddle.
Idk of I'm gonna take any gear but just get out and learn the yak.
Fishing Rhino reply :
I don't have any set limit. It depends on several factors. First, the ramp needs to be sheltered from the wind. I won't launch where the wind is whipping onto the ramp. The next consideration is how much sheltered fishable water there is which is sheltered from the wind. Third, though it could be first is the temperature. Wind and cool/cold temps do not go together in my book.
While I don't like fighting the wind with the trolling motor all day, I can tolerate it provided there are also sheltered areas where I can take a break and fish out of the wind.
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 1:52 AM, CPBassFishing said:I don't fish from a boat so my input may not matter much to all you boaters. I tend to draw the line at 15mph. I have to ride my bike 20 minutes to my favorite pond. Not that easy when you're carrying 3 rods, a 10lb backpack, and fighting headwinds the whole way.
hahaha you need a rod holder on your bike. you should try and design something you can add and remove easily to carry your rods, theyll look like big antennas on your bike lol...
wnybassman reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 4:18 AM, Red Earth said:hahaha you need a rod holder on your bike. you should try and design something you can add and remove easily to carry your rods, theyll look like big antennas on your bike lol...
He would need to be especially careful around lightning though. lol
sbfishySC reply :
Great input, thanks everyone. I figured 15-20 mph would probably be my limit seeing as I'm new to boating. I've taken a boater safety course and wear my life jacket at all times when outboard is running, but no point in risking it in high winds when I can go another day.
The wind at the launch ramp is a good point. I'm still learning to load straight as it is, high winds won't help.
Most of my lakes have coves that I can get out of the wind, but I'd have to go out to the main lake first to get to them.
Staying in this weekend I think with the wind forecast around 20 with hopes next weekend will be better.
Jake P reply :
15 mph max. any more than 15, I'm out brutha.
papajoe222 reply :
If I'm intent on fishing, like in a tourney or when I've driven six hours to fish, I'll stick it out as long as I can maintain control with my 24volt t/m or an anchor. It may require the use of a drift sock, but if I'm still moving too fast with the drift sock, or the anchor won't hold, it's time to find someplace where they will.
SirSnookalot reply :
I've got experience in inland lakes, great lakes and the ocean. The great lakes may offer the tougher conditions to fish because there is a difference in the waves and boat construction. I am more comfortable in the ocean with a 5' wave and 20 mph wind than I would be in the great lakes with 3' and 15 mph. Great lakes waves are choppier and ocean waves are much further apart. Fishing production is generally better on rough days in the ocean, in the great lakes I've always done better on calmer days.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've fished through straight 30-35mph winds with gusts to 50 a few times. The wind always blows here, if we get a 10-15mph wind that's pretty good.
Traveler2586 reply :
Some real good advice above.
The big consideration for me, as some others have addressed, is launch and retrieve at the ramp; and whether you’re by yourself or not. The wind can make boat handling at the ramp very difficult, if not dangerous; and you can do some real damage to your boat if it gets blown into or under a dock. I’ve seen this happen, it can cost some real $$$$ so don’t let it happen to you.
You have to gain experience through time on the water with your boat to know what you can handle. As suggested, play it safe and take it one step at a time; learn how the seasonal winds work on your body of water and where the quiet areas are, you’ll need to know this to seek shelter if you find yourself in a sudden blow.
Also, as suggested, take some boating safety classes. IMHO, the instructor driven classes are better than the on-line course because you can ask questions and have open discussions on topics of interest to the class which means you learn more. I can tell you first hand that if you think you know boating safety you’re wrong, there’s always something more to learn.
Well that’s my $.02 worth…
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 5:25 AM, sbfishySC said:Great input, thanks everyone. I figured 15-20 mph would probably be my limit seeing as I'm new to boating. I've taken a boater safety course and wear my life jacket at all times when outboard is running, but no point in risking it in high winds when I can go another day.
The wind at the launch ramp is a good point. I'm still learning to load straight as it is, high winds won't help.
Most of my lakes have coves that I can get out of the wind, but I'd have to go out to the main lake first to get to them.
Staying in this weekend I think with the wind forecast around 20 with hopes next weekend will be better.
Have you ever been on the same lake with others during windy days?
If not I would suggest, instead of staying in, take a drive to the lake/dock area and observe the water take notice of how the other boaters are handleing the wind and what the wind is doing to the lake. Maybe get a chance to ask specific boaters coming back in how it is out there. Sort-of like a scouting report.
slonezp reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 2:24 PM, papajoe222 said:If I'm intent on fishing, like in a tourney or when I've driven six hours to fish, I'll stick it out as long as I can maintain control with my 24volt t/m or an anchor. It may require the use of a drift sock, but if I'm still moving too fast with the drift sock, or the anchor won't hold, it's time to find someplace where they will.
I have caught more "money" fish in adverse conditions than not. If there wasn't a tourney involved I never would have gone out. I pray for crappy conditions on tourney day. (That last statement is going to jinx me.)
Traveler2586 reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 10:25 PM, slonezp said:I have caught more "money" fish in adverse conditions than not. If there wasn't a tourney involved I never would have gone out. I pray for crappy conditions on tourney day. (That last statement is going to jinx me.)
Ya, it will..... That's all you'll catch.... Crappy 
And now we know why your a physical wreck 
I don't know that I could ride the bow in a blow any longer; the ole balance isn't what it was back in the day......
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